Nationwide search for top businesswomen

A national search for Britain's top women entrepreneurs – one of the fastest-growing business segments in the UK - has been launched by T-Mobile and the Sunday Express.

The Women Mean Business Awards follows news that the number of women now running their own business has rocketed to nearly one million – and that more than half of the female workforce is now self-employed.

These new awards will invite women with enterprises more than two years old to share their success story and describe the challenges they have had to overcome.

Ten national finalists will compete for cash and prizes worth more than £50,000 – with a cheque for £20,000 going to the winner, courtesy of T-Mobile.

T-Mobile spokesperson, Patrick Barrow, said: "Women Mean Business reflects T-Mobile's desire to connect with this important and thriving business audience. We are delighted to be honouring the achievements of so many women entrepreneurs whose success and enthusiasm deserves recognition."

Editor of the Sunday Express, Martin Townsend, added: "We see this as an excellent opportunity to showcase the huge contribution women now make to the economy, both as employers and business owners.

"We are confident of receiving many extraordinary and diverse stories of success, proving that British women represent a world-class pool of business talent with the ability to take on the best – and win."

(CL)